Successful management of iliocostal impingement syndrome: A case series

Iliocostal impingement syndrome is a rare, painful, and disabling condition associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis and kyphoscoliosis. There is little published literature regarding management of this syndrome. The purpose of this case series is to report treatment outcomes for iliocostal impingement syndrome with improving posture and back muscle strength.

Thirty-eight women with thoracic hyperkyphosis or kyphoscoliosis and back and/or flank pain were diagnosed with iliocostal impingement syndrome on the basis of symptoms and spine radiographs. They were instructed in weighted kypho-orthosis use and taught a home back-extensor strengthening program. Outcome measures included posture evaluation and pain level.

All patients reported immediate pain reduction with weighted kypho-orthosis trial. Nineteen patients returned within 2 years, and all had continued pain relief and posture improvement.

Our findings suggest that successful management of iliocostal impingement syndrome is possible with a weighted kypho-orthosis and back strengthening program focusing on posture improvement.

Iliocostal syndrome is a rare, painful, and disabling condition that severely affects quality of life. This report discusses our diagnostic and treatment approach to this syndrome, which has proven successful in our patient population.